When buying a paintbrush, consider the bristle material and the type of paint that will be used. Most home centers, such as City Mill, provide a choice of nylon, polyester or natural China (hog's hair) bristle paintbrushes. Use a nylon-bristle brush with latex paint. Natural China bristles should only be used with oil-based paint. Polyester brushes can be used with both paint types.

When buying a brush, check the following physical characteristics:

Flagging: the brush's bristles have split ends. More split ends, or flagging, will produce a finer brush stroke.

Chiseling: the brush's bristles are graduated so that the tip of the brush tapers in and makes an even line when lightly pressed on a flat surface.

Flexibility: the brush's bristles bend more at the tip than at the base and quickly spring back, leaving a smoother brush stroke.

Before you buy a brush, spread out of the bristles to make sure they are firmly in the handle. Any brush will lose a few bristles, but a poorly constructed brush will shed its bristles right into your paint job. A good brush, with proper care, will last for years.

Painting Tips:

• Dip the brush only halfway into the paint. Then, lift the brush straight up and tap it lightly against the inside of the pail. Do not draw the brush across the rim of the pail.
• With the brush at a 45-degree angle, apply paint in long, vertical strokes, covering about three feet at a time.
• To prevent paint build-up, brush toward the uncoated areas with long, even strokes.
• As a last step, feather the paint edges, using just the tips of the bristles.

After properly cleaning the brush, wrap it in heavy paper to protect it.

For Hawaii Home + Remodeling, this is Frank Suster saying, "You can do it yourself."